Saving & Spending Financial Health

The Top Turkey Trot in Every State [2024]

Turkey Trots are an integral part of the Thanksgiving holiday for many. FinanceBuzz evaluated popular races to find the top trot in every state for Turkey Day 2024.

Runners in a race
Updated Nov. 13, 2024
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For some families, the celebrations don’t start with the first cut of the Thanksgiving turkey. Instead, many Americans gather their loved ones and sign up for a Turkey Trot — a brisk run typically held on Thanksgiving morning.

While these runs have been an integral and long-standing part of Thanksgiving traditions for some families, others are looking to try them out for the first time this November. To help out those in the second camp, FinanceBuzz compared some of the biggest and most popular Turkey Trots across the country to find the top Trot in all 50 states.

Key findings

  • The largest Turkey Trot in the country is in Sacramento, California, with over 31,000 participants signing up for the 5K or 10K run last year.
  • Only three states offer half marathon options - Georgia, Nevada, and Utah.
  • Any novice runners living in Colorado or New Hampshire are in luck, as these two states’ largest Turkey Trots offer the shortest distances needed to complete.

Turkey Trots by the numbers

Turkey trots by the numbers

Turkey Trots are a big deal, and if recent history is any indication, they look to be getting even bigger.

After looking up existing Turkey Trots in all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., we found that 21 different states hosted at least one 5,000+ member Turkey Trots last year. That means that more than 40% of the states in the country have at least one major trot available for people visiting or hosting in that state for Thanksgiving.

That number may rise in the future, as a Turkey Trot analysis produced by RunSignup found that the number of races as well as the number of race participants rose between 2022 and 2023. Last year there were 833 trots across the country, which was a 14% increase compared to 2022 (730 Turkey Trots).

Even larger was the increase in the total number of runners participating in these Turkey Day races, as 2023 saw 920,761 people trotting along before their meal, a number that is 22% higher than the 756,894 people that participated in Turkey Trots in 2022.

States with the largest Turkey Trots

States with the largest Turkey Trots

With hundreds of Turkey Trots scheduled for Thanksgiving day, there’s sure to be a race of the preferred size available to most runners. For those who love the energy that comes from running with a crowd, we found which states are home to some of the largest trots in the nation.

The biggest Turkey Trot in the country is in Sacramento, California, where the Run to Feed the Hungry hosted more than 30,000 trotters last year. Both Michigan and Texas have trots with more than 20,000 participants, while Indiana’s Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash has 15,000 runners and the Buffalo YMCA Turkey Trot in Buffalo, New York has more than 14,000.

The most popular Turkey Trots in every state

pavel1964/Adobe People running

Interested in getting your trot on before the big meal this Thanksgiving? No matter where you live, there’s probably a local Turkey Trot scheduled nearby. For those looking for a true top-notch trot experience, we’ve found the top Turkey Trot in every state in the country.

Alabama

rachwal/Adobe People running in autumn race

Crisis Services of North Alabama Turkey Trot

  • City: Huntsville
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Tiny Trot (Ages 5 and under)
  • Participants: 2,000+

Alaska

Iuliia Sokolovska/Adobe Marathon running race

Skinny Raven Turkey Trot

  • City: Anchorage
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 3K
  • Participants: 2,000+

Arizona

Yury Kirillov/Adobe Male and female runner's legs

Phoenix Turkey Trot

  • City: Phoenix
  • Length(s) offered: 10K, 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 3,500+

Arkansas

New Africa/Adobe Group of people running outdoors

The Gobbler - Little Rock's Turkey Trot

  • City: Little Rock
  • Length(s) offered: 3 Mile, 4 Mile, 6.5 Mile
  • Participants: 1,000+

California

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon runners

Run to Feed the Hungry

  • City: Sacramento
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 10K
  • Participants: 31,000+

Colorado

matimix/Adobe Marathon running race, people feet

Mile High United Way Turkey Trot

  • City: Denver
  • Length(s) offered: 1 Mile, 4 Mile
  • Participants: 11,000+

Connecticut

sibway/Adobe Female jogger run marathon

Manchester Road Race

  • City: Manchester
  • Length(s) offered: 4.737 Miles
  • Participants: 11,000+

Delaware

Halfpoint/Adobe People running a race competition

Run for Pie 5K

  • City: Newark
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 500+

District of Columbia

pavel1964/Adobe People feet on city road

America's Trot for Hunger

  • City: Washington, D.C.
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 10,000+

Florida

coachwood/Adobe Group of runners racing

Clearwater Turkey Trot

  • City: Clearwater
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 7,000+

Georgia

Fostic/Adobe The running marathon

The Atlanta Half Marathon & Thanksgiving Day 5K

  • City: Atlanta
  • Length(s) offered: Half Marathon, 5K, 1 Mile, Kid’s Dash
  • Participants: 12,000+

Hawaii

Iuliia Sokolovska/Adobe Running race, people feet on road

Honolulu Marathon Clinic Turkey Trot

  • City: Honolulu
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Fun Run
  • Participants: 600+

Idaho

ChiccoDodiFC/Adobe Cross-country race

Turkey Day 5K

  • City: Boise and Caldwell
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 2,000+

Illinois

.shock/Adobe Group of people jogging

Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

  • City: Elmhurst
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 8,000+

Indiana

Daniel Jędzura/Adobe Summer running race

Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash

  • City: Broad Ripple
  • Length(s) offered: 4.3 Mile, 2.6 Mile
  • Participants: 15,000+

Iowa

babaroga/Adobe Marathon runners in the city

Des Moines Turkey Trot

  • City: Des Moines
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 5 Mile, Tot Trot
  • Participants: 4,000+

Kansas

Rawpixel.com/Adobe Mature runners running

MHK Turkey Trot

  • City: Manhattan
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 1,000+

Kentucky

milen69/Adobe Men running 5K marathon

Louisville Hungry Turkey 5K

  • City: Louisville
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Kid’s Dash
  • Participants: 2,000+

Louisiana

pavel1964/Adobe Running on city road

New Orleans Athletic Club Turkey Day Race

  • City: New Orleans
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, ½ Mile Kid’s Run
  • Participants: 2,500+

Maine

ChiccoDodiFC/Adobe Footrace in the city

Maine Track Club Turkey Trot 5K

  • City: Cape Elizabeth
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Kid’s Fun Run
  • Participants: 400+

Maryland

Pamela Uyttendaele/Adobe Runners racing

Sheppard Pratt Frederick Turkey Trot

  • City: Frederick
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1K
  • Participants: 5,000+

Massachusetts

pavel1964/Adobe People feet on city road

Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race

  • City: Andover
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Mile, 5K, Kid’s Fun Run
  • Participants: 10,000+

Michigan

pavel1964/Adobe Peoples Marathon running race

Detroit Turkey Trot

  • City: Detroit
  • Length(s) offered: 10K, 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 20,000+

Minnesota

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon running

Turkey Day 5K

  • City: Minneapolis
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 5,000+

Mississippi

VTT Studio/Adobe Group of Marathon runners

Bay St. Louis Turkey Trot

  • City: Bay Saint Louis
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run
  • Participants: 200+

Missouri

pavel1964/Adobe Runners feet on running race

Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Presented by Hall Ansley

  • City: Springfield
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 5,000+

Montana

kovop58/Adobe Group of athletes running

Turkey Day 8K & 3K Family Fun Run

  • City: Missoula
  • Length(s) offered: 8K, 3K, 1K
  • Participants: 800+

Nebraska

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon runners running on city

Omaha Turkey Trot 5K

  • City: Omaha
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Kid’s Dash
  • Participants: 2,000+

Nevada

sports photos/Adobe Group of male runners

Las Vegas Turkey Trot

  • City: Boulder City
  • Length(s) offered: Half Marathon, 12K, 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 1,000+

New Hampshire

Pamela Uyttendaele/Adobe Runners at the race

Windham Turkey Trot

  • City: Windham
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Mile, 3 Mile, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 1,000+

New Jersey

VTT Studio/Adobe Marathon running activity

CEA & Johanna Foods Turkey Trot

  • City: Flemington
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 2 Mile
  • Participants: 3,500+

New Mexico

Per Grunditz/Adobe Runners in marathon race

Albuquerque Turkey Trot

  • City: Albuquerque
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1 Mile, Tot Trot
  • Participants: 700+

New York

matimix/Adobe Active people running marathon race

Buffalo YMCA Turkey Trot

  • City: Buffalo
  • Length(s) offered: 8K
  • Participants: 14,000+

North Carolina

coachwood/Adobe Girls running over a bridge

Charlotte Turkey Trot

  • City: Charlotte
  • Length(s) offered: 8K, 5K, 1 Mile, Tot Trot
  • Participants: 10,000+

North Dakota

pavel1964/Adobe Close-up legs runners running

Magic City Turkey Trot

  • City: Minot
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 500+

Ohio

aumnat/Adobe Family running with healthy lifestyle

Cleveland Turkey Trot

  • City: Cleveland
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Mile, 5K, 1K
  • Participants: 8,000+

Oklahoma

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon running race

Edmond Turkey Trot

  • City: Edmond
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, 1 Mile
  • Participants: 2,000+

Oregon

xy/Adobe Marathon runners running

Turkey Trot at the Zoo

  • City: Portland
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Tot Trot and Gobble Gallop
  • Participants: 2,500 (hard cap)

Pennsylvania

New Africa/Adobe Group of people running outdoors

Millersville Turkey Trot

  • City: Millersville
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Kid’s Fun Run
  • Participants: 2,000+

Rhode Island

matimix/Adobe Group of runners running fast

Rhode Island Family Turkey Trot

  • City: Pawtucket
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Youth Run
  • Participants: 1,500+

South Carolina

pavel1964/Adobe Running Race

Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble

  • City: Charleston
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Kid’s Fun Run
  • Participants: 8,500+

South Dakota

pavel1964/Adobe Running race, people feet on city road

Black Hills Runners Club Turkey Trot

  • City: Rapid City
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 1,000+

Tennessee

pavel1964/Adobe People feet on

Boulevard Bolt

  • City: Nashville
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Miles
  • Participants: 7,500+

Texas

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon running in the light

Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

  • City: Dallas
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Miles, 5K, Diaper Dash
  • Participants: 20,000+

Utah

pavel1964/Adobe Running race, people feet on city road

Runtastic Thankful 13

  • City: Lehi
  • Length(s) offered: Half marathon, 10K, 5K, Kid’s half mile
  • Participants: 3,500+

Vermont

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon running in street

Green Mountain Atheltic Association Turkey Trot

  • City: Burlington
  • Length(s) offered: 5K, Kid’s Run
  • Participants: 900+

Virginia

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon running race on street

Alexandria Turkey Trot

  • City: Alexandria
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Miles
  • Participants: 5,000+

Washington

matimix/Adobe Marathon running race, people feet on autumn road

Seattle Turkey Trot

  • City: Seattle
  • Length(s) offered: 15K, 10K, 5K, Kid’s Dash
  • Participants: 1,500+

West Virginia

Kara/Adobe Runner group

Huntington Turkey Trot

  • City: Huntington
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 1,000+

Wisconsin

pavel1964/Adobe Marathon running race on city road

Festival Foods Turkey Trot

  • City: Multiple (12 cities)
  • Length(s) offered: 5 Miles, 2 Miles
  • Participants: 6,000+

Wyoming

babaroga/Adobe Marathon runners in the city

Jackson Hole Turkey Trot

  • City: Jackson Hole
  • Length(s) offered: 5K
  • Participants: 300+

Save money when traveling for Thanksgiving

Iuliia Sokolovska/Adobe Runners getting a high five

Every Turkey Trotter needs food and family to fuel their runs. If you’re already spending money on a race entry fee, there are other ways to save this holiday season.

  • Earn rewards while shopping for dinner. To get the most out of your shopping trip, use one of the best credit cards for buying groceries to get rewards on your purchases.
  • Budget groceries beforehand. Groceries are a big expense for families of all sizes. Learning insider tips on how to spend less on groceries can help reduce the overall cost for your delicious home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Use travel credit cards when visiting family. Many people will be traveling to visit family this Thanksgiving. Travelers can fund their trip entirely with rewards points from the best travel credit cards or save them up for future plans.

Methodology

Touch/Adobe Runners in a race

FinanceBuzz conducted web searches for upcoming Turkey Trots in every state. Top results were compared to one another with different factors used to determine a “top” trot in each state, with the number of confirmed participants in 2023 being a primary determinant. Race participation data was sourced from news articles and official race results pages.

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